BLYTH Spartans boss Mick Tait has replaced another negative with a positive as the revolving door at Croft Park finally saw a new face walk into the club.

Veteran Gateshead-born central defender Chris Swailes, 40 in October, has joined the Spartans as a player and No 2 to Tait.

It is a timely breakthrough in the transfer market for Blyth and one that has tempered the loss of giant centre-half Richard Pell and goalkeeper Mark Bell.

Pell has joined Harrogate Town after Blyth declined to get into an auction for their popular defender.

Tait said: “Pell didn’t want to leave Blyth Spartans but was made an offer he couldn’t turn down, and I am very disappointed.

“I wasn’t prepared to be held over a barrel. Pell was the second highest player at the club and his performances didn’t justify an increase, especially taking into the account the performances of some of the other players.

“Bell has also moved on and we have now lost four members of the defence, with John Brackstone and Steve Foster also gone.

“However, we conceded a lot of goals last season, so it is maybe no bad thing that there will be a revamp.”

Tait has no qualms over Swailes’ ability to play at least another season and believes the former SPL defender will also be an invaluable member of the backroom staff.

“I played in midfield at the age of 41 in the old Fourth Division as player-manager at Hartlepool United and Swailes has also looked after himself.

“He played the last 10 games of the season for Gateshead in the Blue Square Premier and on the occasions I saw him he was one of the better players.

“He has a wealth of experience, having played for a host of League clubs, including two spells at Ipswich Town, and will lead from the front.”

Tait is also waiting to see whether released Gateshead pair Wayne Phillips and Phil Cave will join Blyth, although Phillips is believed to have agreed terms at Harrogate.

Former Northern Ireland Under 32 and 21 international Wayne Buchanan, meanwhile, will link up with Blyth in pre-season after failing to break through at Gateshead.

The 28-year-old centre- back spent six years in the Northern Ireland Premiership with Lisburn Distillery before playing briefly in Australia.

“Buchanan has a good CV,” said Tait. “He wasn’t match fit when he joined Gateshead in mid-season but is keen to join Blyth and he’ll be given the chance to impress.”